CYCLING TOUR IN MUSTANG
CYCLING TOUR IN MUSTANG
In the rain shadow behind the Himalayas, Mustang enjoys clear blues skies while the rest of Nepal gets drenched in monsoon rains. The ideal summer destination, the arid hillsides of Mustang make for superb biking terrain.
Mustang still has a mystery about it and attracts trekkers who enjoy the sparse desert-like landscape that is unique to this region. It is a land that is more like Tibet than Nepal. This great expanse of dry land from Jomsom to the capital Lo Manthang also attracts another breed of thrill-seekers; it’s a gorgeous playground for tough mountain bikers.
The reddish, rugged terrain, breathtaking canyons, azure skies and brilliant sunshine make for an ideal setting for experienced bikers. The maximum altitude (4,200 m.) is moderate, and its stony, sandy trails just seem to be made for riding over. The biking trip here is made all the more mystical by a number of Tibetan villages with typical flat-roof houses, small rudimentary temples and stupas. Add to this a background of sparkling, snow-capped peaks from Annapurna to Dhaulagiri and you have a winner.
Mustang is an extension of the Tibetan plateau and naturally, Buddhist culture thrives here with little outside influence. The absence of large passes has made trade convenient between India and Tibet through Mustang with access via the Kali Gandaki valley. Here, the semi-desert landscape is a stark contrast to the snow-capped mountains that cover the horizon from the east to the south. Lo Manthang is a fortified town with many monasteries restored by a local team trained by an Italian. It is a welcome respite from the harshness of the terrain and showcases the local culture.
Finally, we leave Mustang and head back to Pokhara: Going down, it’s 2 days of fun with little physical effort or stress. We do an impressive descent from 3000m to 600 m, from Marpha to Beni through the gorges of Kali Gandaki. Finally, we leave Mustang and go back to Pokhara: 2 days of fun without great physical effort. We do an impressive descent from Marpha to Beni through the gorges of Kali Gandaki from 3000 to 600 m.
- An exclusive mountain bike circuit amid beautiful canyons and valleys.
- A remote and un-crowded region where Tibetan culture predominates.
- A spectacular mountain flight from Jomsom to Pokhara.
- An incredible descent of more than 3000m down the Kali Gandaki Valley.
Itinerary
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- Accommodation: Hotel on BB Plan.
A pleasant drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara in a private vehicle (duration: 6 / 7 hr). Free afternoon. Our vehicle and assistant continue by road to transport the mountain bikes to Jomsom.
- Accommodation: Hotel on BB Plan.
- Ascent: + 300 m.
- Duration of biking: 2 ½ hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
We take an easy dirt road, then ride up to the medieval village of Jharkot, the last village before Muktinath. The trail allows superb views of the desert-like landscapes and snowy mountains and passes. The village has its own Buddhist monastery. Lunch and rest in a lodge owned by locals.
- Ascent: + 800 m.
- Duration of biking: 2 ½ (+ 1) hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Ascent: + 650 m.
- Descent: - 1200 m.
- Duration of biking: 5 hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
We cross the Kali Gandaki gorge. The trail has been cut into steep cliffs. It climbs up to the Taklam Pass (2,650 m.) and then descends to Samar. From Samar, it climbs again and then descend later through several small passes between 3,600 and 3,800 m. with breathtaking views. After Syangboche, we descend to Gelling, a village dominated by a Sakya monastery located in an ancient Dzong.
- Ascent: + 1100 m.
- Descent: - 600 m.
- Duration of biking: 5 hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Ascent: + 900 m.
- Descent: - 750 m.
- Duration of biking: 4 – 5 hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Ascent: + 800 m.
- Descent: - 700 m.
- Duration of biking: 4 hr.
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Ascent: + 650 m.
- Descent: - 1200 m.
- Duration of biking: 3- 4 hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Ascent: + 900 m.
- Descent: - 1100 m.
- Duration of biking: 6 hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Ascent: + 600 m.
- Descent: - 1000 m.
- Duration of biking: 4 hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Ascent: + 150 m.
- Descent: - 850 m.
- Duration of biking: 6 hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Descent: - 1650 m.
- Duration of biking: 5 – 6 hr
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Descent: - 360 m.
- Duration of biking: 3 hr
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Accommodation: Hotel
Transfer to TIA (Kathmandu Airport) for your return flight
End of our services.
What's included
- Delivery of mountain bike from Pokhara to Jomsom by the assistant/Sherpa
- 2 nights at Hotel Tibet *** or similar on BB
- 3 nights at Lake Side Retreat or similar on BB
- Trek full board in lodge / Homestay according to itinerary
- English Speaking Nepali cycling guide for the whole stay
- Mountain bike rental for guide
- Trekking team: 1 Assistant / Sherpa from 2 pax and 2 from 6, 1 personal porter for 2 participants and mules beyond
- Carrying personal belongings up to 13 kg/participant
- TIMS & ACAP Permit, Special Permit to Upper Mustang ($500)
- Insurance and routing of staffs
- Domestic flight Pokhara- Jomsom
What's not included
- Compulsory repatriation insurance
- Personal mountain bike (to bring or rent on site)
- Cargo for overweight above 15kg / person on the domestic flight
- Visa Nepal ( $50 + Photos)
- Tips, personal expenses and equipment, drinks, hot showers, recharging batteries during the trek, etc.